Product Description

In an engaging combination of dialogues, reflections, conversations, history, and travel information, Kyriacos C. Markides continues the exploration of a spiritual tradition and practice he began in Riding with the Lion. His earlier book took readers to the isolated peninsula of Mount Athos in northern Greece and into a group of ancient monasteries. There, in what might be called a "Christian Tibet," two thousand monks and hermits practice the spiritual arts to attain oneness with God. In his new book, Markides follows Father Maximos, one of Mount Athos's monks, to the troubled island of Cyprus. As Father Maximos establishes churches, convents, and monasteries in this deeply divided land, Markides is awakened anew to the magnificent spirituality of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Publisher's Description

An acclaimed expert in Christian mysticism travels to a monastery high in the Trodos Mountains of Cyprus and offers a fascinating look at the Greek Orthodox approach to spirituality that will appeal to readers of Carlos Castaneda.In an engaging combination of dialogues, reflections, conversations, history, and travel information, Kyriacos C. Markides continues the exploration of a spiritual tradition and practice little known in the West he began in Riding with the Lion. His earlier book took readers to the isolated peninsula of Mount Athos in northern Greece and into the group of ancient monasteries. There, in what might be called a “Christian Tibet,” two thousand monks and hermits practice the spiritual arts to attain a oneness with God. In his new book, Markides follows Father Maximos, one of Mount Athos’s monks, to the troubled island of Cyprus. As Father Maximos establishes churches, convents, and monasteries in this deeply divided land, Markides is awakened anew to the magnificent spirituality of the Greek Orthodox Church.

Images of the land and the people of Cyprus and details of its tragic history enrich the Mountain of Silence. Like the writings of Castaneda, the book brilliantly evokes the confluence of an inner and outer journey. The depth and richness of its spiritual message echo the thoughts and writings of Saint Francis of Assisi and other great saints of the Church as well. The result is a remarkable work–a moving, profoundly human examination of the role and the power of spirituality in a complex and confusing world.

Author Bio

KYRIACOS C. MARKIDES has written several books about Christian mysticism, including The Magnus of Strovolos, Riding with the Lion, and Fire in the Heart. A professor of sociology at the University of Maine, he lives in Bangor, Maine.

This book came to me to right when it was needed. This is one of the best books I've read in a long time.. I've been studying buddhism for the last 5 years and how ironic that those studies lead me to this. There is a lot of deep material here and for me it was sometimes a slow read because I had to take some time to absorb what I was reading, To be honest, I will be reading it again down the road, when reading something the first time I always miss things. To me, this is about true Christianity ..

This book opened a whole new understanding of the Trinity, monasticism, the providence of God, miracles. It is so well-written, and the theology so clearly expressed, with such depth. In my 30+ years with the Lord, this book has drawn me closer and brought an increase in faith, hope and love.

Life Changing! The author does what no other can do, actually change the reader's life after just one novel. After reading his masterful prose, I passed it along to a friend. Since then, they have passed the beautifully written documentary to hundreds of readers who met it with the same regard. You don't need to be a theologian or an avid reader to understand it's simple message. As a Christian, I have read hundreds of books, this by far is the most enlightening and uplifting.